Snowmobile Snow Flap With Segmented Stiff Flexible Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snowmobiles face challenges in accommodating passenger seats without reducing storage capacity, snow flaps getting stuck in the track or suspension, and limited visibility for work purposes due to brake lights and taillights, while also dealing with interference from attachment pins in the storage area.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a snow flap with a stiff and flexible portion, a rear light assembly with adjustable lighting modes, and a locking pin assembly for accessory attachment, allowing for improved storage access and visibility without compromising passenger capacity or storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a passenger seat is added to the snowmobile, then passenger capacity is improved, but storage capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The snow flap is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion made of stiff material for structural support and mounting, and a second portion made of flexible material that can be easily removed. This segmentation allows the flexible second portion to be taken off when passenger seating is needed, thereby providing passenger capacity without permanently reducing storage capacity, as the flap can be reconfigured or removed entirely.
2Reliability
If a snow flap is installed, then snow retention in the tunnel area is improved, but the snow flap becomes stuck in the track or suspension when reversed
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the snow flap have different material properties: the first portion is made of stiff material to maintain structural integrity and snow retention function, while the second portion is made of flexible material that can deform and detach when encountering obstacles like the track or suspension during reversal. This local quality differentiation allows the flap to fulfill its snow retention purpose while avoiding getting stuck.
3Illumination intensity
If brake lights and taillights are used, then visibility during braking is improved, but visibility during work tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is made dynamic by incorporating both red light sources (for brake/taillight function) and white light sources (for work task illumination) within the same housing. The controller dynamically switches between these light sources based on operational mode: red lights activate during braking for safety visibility, while white lights activate during work tasks for task-specific visibility. This dynamic switching allows the system to provide appropriate visibility for different functions without compromise.
Data Source
AI summary
A snow flap has a first portion that may include a first material. The first portion also includes a second portion may include a second material, said first material stiffer than the second material. The portion also includes a joint formed between the first portion and the second portion.